§ 59. Mr. William Teelingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of firms are advertising in the newspapers goods which they cannot at present deliver; that this is clone in order to avoid taxation; and that, in view of the paper shortage, new and smaller firms who are just beginning their businesses, are unable to obtain space to advertise goods they can sell; and whether he proposes to take action in this matter.
§ Mr. DaltonReasonable expenditure on advertising is admissible as a deduction for taxation purposes arid it is not, in my view, unreasonable for a trader to advertise goods in advance of their being ready for the market
§ Mr. TeelingDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that a large number of people just out of the Services who have started businesses with their gratuities, are unable at present to advertise in the papers because there is no space, and if he does not feel that he can do anything with regard to the bigger firms could he not do something to help obtain more newsprint from abroad?
§ Mr. DaltonThe total quantity of newsprint is a different matter and there, of course, we are in the field of foreign exchange problems. With regard to advertising in advance, the people of whom the hon. Gentleman speaks might gain equally from being able to advertise a little in advance the goods which, before long, they will be able to put on the market.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertIs it not a fact that the reason these goods cannot be delivered is because of the policy of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. MikardoIs not the position as described in the Question due to unregulated private enterprise?
§ Mr. GallacherWould not the Chancellor recommend the Government to take over these firms and stop all these rackets?
§ Mr. C. S. TaylorIn order to maintain the good will which has been built up over a number of years, is not this "reminder advertising" very necessary?